Of Cheektowaga, passed away peacefully December 21, 2025. Don was the beloved son of the

late MaryAnn (nee Bickert) and Donald F Mesler. Dear brother of Terre (Esther) Mesler of VT,

Marcy (Joe) Craddock of Attica, and the late Dean (Annette) Mesler of Depew. Donnie is

survived by several nieces and nephews as well as good friends.

Donald, affectionately known as Donnie or Don, was born in Buffalo in 1961. While Don had

various areas of employment in his lifetime, he was best known as a cook at the family’s

restaurant on Grand Island, The Islander. He always enjoyed sharing time with patrons who

became friends over the 25 years being there.

Donnie was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills. He had an unmatched ability to quote stats and

players from games past through present. His lifelong wish would have been to see the Bills

win the Superbowl. His love for the Bills was matched only by his devotion to the NY Yankees.

No matter the time of year, a conversation would lead to sports and discussing his favorite

teams. His hobbies included reading, music, jigsaw puzzles and playing cards with friends. You

were sure to see evidence of these during any visit to his home.

Donnie was also well known for his humor and creativity. He enjoyed crafting poems for

friends and family which would become treasured “gifts” for any recipient. He would spend

selfless hours working to achieve just the right result – whether about the Bills, Christmas or

just showing his love to others through words. Don would want to tell everyone in his path

how special and cool they were – he’d want to share visits and a meal, and to make sure they

knew he cared about them. His parting words would no doubt be….Go Bills!

A private service, to honor Don, will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest in Acacia Park Cemetery.